Training Within Industry (TWI)

Training Within Industry (TWI) is a set of training programs developed in the United States during WWII to hire and train large numbers of new workers replacing those who had gone to war. It consists of three programs called the J programs: Job Instruction, Job Methods and Job Relations. Job Instruction, a four-step method for teaching a job correctly, safely and consistently, is still the primary training tool used by Toyota team leaders worldwide.

Source checked2/2 values · 2026-10-25Methodology

Specification

1 source

Kind	methodology
Origin	United States, WWII

Study notes

TWI was developed during WWII so U.S. companies could train large numbers of new workers replacing those who had gone to war.
The three programs are collectively called the J programs: Job Instruction, Job Methods and Job Relations.
Job Instruction four steps: prepare the worker, present the job, try out the job, follow-up.
Job Instruction relies on a Job Breakdown Sheet that splits the job into Important Steps, Key Points and Reasons Why, shared a little at a time at a pace suited to the individual.
Job Methods teaches workers to make improvements methodically by making the best use of people, machines and materials to produce greater quantities of quality products in less time.
Job Relations teaches supervisors to handle people problems by gathering facts, weighing them, making a decision, taking action and checking results.
Toyota adopted TWI concepts after they were forgotten in the U.S. amid post-war prosperity; a TWI revival movement has appeared in the U.S. and other countries in recent years.
Synonyms listed: TWI.
Templates and cards referenced: Job Breakdown Sheet, TWI Job Instruction Card, TWI Job Relations Card, TWI Job Methods Card.

Safety

Job Instruction is described as teaching an individual to do a job correctly, safely and consistently; fewer accidents and less tool and equipment damage are listed among its outcomes.